6 Qualities required to become world class BIM Manager and a leader
Leadership is a fine quality and is found rarely. A manager with training can be effective but an effective leadership comes naturally. When dealing with projects requiring BIM, it is very important to manage the use of BIM properly but when dealing with humans, a leader needs to lead them. When we talk about Building Information Modeling technology, a person who has to act as manager needs to be a leader too.
Virtual Design and Construction or VDC is progressing fast and is no longer a luxury that some organizations only believes in. Many architecture and contracting companies have already shifted from CAD based process to BIM based process and are availing the excellent benefits BIM offers. Still many companies are not comfortable utilizing BIM but industry big players are enthusiastic and are incorporating it completely.
Architectural and engineering consultancies are currently struggling with seamless execution of BIM on their projects in the absence of a leader who can navigate through the responsibilities of overall project management. A BIM manager can be found for sure, but finding a BIM leader is difficult especially with technical skill sets, people management skills and deep rooted domain expertise such as BIM Modeling, BIM Coordination, Construction Installation procedures, etc.
There are many companies willing to implement BIM which gives precedent to professionals with experience of utilizing Building Information Modeling. Two types of requirements arises in such cases, Architects and Engineers willing to execute and some people willing to manage and lead these people. Companies which started BIM implementation have started hiring for the positions of BIM leader and BIM manager.
A BIM leader / Manager primarily takes care of all Building Information Modeling projects including quality assurance, deliverable, resource allocation, phasing, etc.
Main skill sets required for making successful BIM Managers
Interpersonal Skills
As BIM starts as a collaborative process which requires efforts from various departments ensuring success. BIM Leader should be capable of keeping all departments together and ensure that issues are resolved mutually. Creating an environment of empathy and compassion is the main agenda. Design changes are required from architects and engineers which should be handled and resolved by a BIM manager through progressive meetings.
Deep Domain Expertise
This is one of the primary quality that a BIM Manager should possess to be successful. It is vital to have at least 5-6 years’ experience in handling BIM projects. BIM Managers should have the ability to continuously upgrade BIM software versions, introduce enhanced workflows and constant update towards newer methodologies to execute project, etc. Expertise in software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Tekla, etc is mandatory. Expertise to provide end to end BIM solutions and simultaneously managing people is key to success.
Communicating with stake holders
Communicating with stakeholders is very important for any BIM Manager. Successfully handling stakeholder queries should be a must quality in BIM field.
Communication Skills
It is essential to demonstrate designs and BIM model effectively which makes communication skills to be extremely essential. As BIM is a collaborative process and demands high level of ability to communicate with clients. BIM Managers having good communication skills can strengthen overall project management process with effective communication.
Ability to train
When designers and contractors implements BIM, the overall cost and running budgets gets impacted. An experienced BIM leader having prior experience and good knowledge of BIM Modeling services, BIM Coordination procedures, processes of virtual design and construction (VDC) is in demand.
The BIM manager should act as a coach and a mentor where he can train team members with relative skills and technology. Quality of being a coach and mentor saves hiring cost and resource maintenance cost in long term. Less experienced persons comes at lower cost than architects and engineers.
Time Management
It is recommended that BIM Manager should spend his time to research new technologies and train staff members. A leader should analyse overall project cost and identify issues that results in lower profitability. Rest of the time should be spent on performing quality checks, productivity analysis, coordination meetings, etc. BIM leader should have excellent organizational skills and capabilities to become successful.
Conclusion
Now you might have a fair idea about the skill sets that a BIM manager should obtain. Several companies including architects and engineers are in dilemma to invest in BIM. Companies which are already into BIM will require a project manager or BIM champion to handle architects and engineers. A great leader always ensures seamless project execution, management, communication and collaboration between teams and increases growth prospects of all parties involved.
Availing BIM outsourcing services with vast experience and good reputation brings you several advantages. BIM outsourcing companies have effective BIM leaders / BIM Champions / BIM Managers in their teams. Your process becomes more efficient and inclusive and your clients can derive more advantages by being able to access needed information few clicks away at the right time.